less quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

"less quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done at a slower speed than was previously done. For example, "The runner slowed down and completed the race less quickly than he had hoped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most other styluses communicate less quickly.

Independent

Rents are also rising, but less quickly.

The New York Times

If he is older like 70 it progresses less quickly.

Harvard University

The medium tires are slower, but wear out less quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

• "It is growing less quickly," said Liam Wyatt, a longtime Wikipedia contributor and advocate from Australia.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, it has risen less quickly than that of oil or natural gas.

The Economist

In many states, the rural areas are simply growing less quickly than urban and suburban areas.

The New York Times

Inflation in Britain has dropped less quickly than had been expected.

The Economist

And at colder temperatures, oil is more viscous and diffuses less quickly.

The Economist

For example, it has been found that the brain processes sound less quickly with advancing age.

The New York Times

Official figures showed France had cut its public deficit less quickly than planned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates, clarify what is happening "less quickly" than what. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less quickly" when you actually mean "not quickly at all." "Less quickly" implies a slower rate compared to a previous or expected rate, not a complete absence of speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less quickly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a decrease in the speed or rate at which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically sound and suitable for describing reduced velocity compared to a previous state or another action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less quickly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase indicating a decrease in speed or rate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to compare or contrast the pace of an action, commonly found in news, science, and business contexts. When using "less quickly", ensure that the comparison is clear, specifying what is happening at a reduced pace relative to something else. Avoid using it when you mean the action is not happening at all. Alternatives include "more slowly" or "at a slower pace", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more slowly

Uses the direct adverbial form of 'slow' to convey a similar meaning.

not as fast

Expresses the idea of reduced speed using a simpler, more direct comparison.

at a slower pace

Emphasizes the speed aspect, focusing on pace instead of quickness.

with reduced speed

Highlights the reduction in speed as the primary factor.

at a reduced rate

Focuses on the rate of change or progress being diminished.

with less haste

Highlights the absence of urgency or rushing.

more deliberately

Shifts the focus to intentional slowness, suggesting a conscious choice to be slower.

in a more leisurely manner

Implies a relaxed and unhurried approach.

at a more moderate tempo

Suggests a slower tempo or rhythm, particularly in a structured activity.

at a creep

Suggests a very slow, almost imperceptible pace.

FAQs

How can I use "less quickly" in a sentence?

"Less quickly" is used to indicate that something is happening at a slower rate than something else or than it previously did. For instance, "The economy is growing "less quickly" than expected".

What are some alternatives to "less quickly"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more slowly", "at a slower pace", or "not as fast".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less quickly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare quantities or degrees, and "quickly" is an adverb, making "less quickly" a valid adverbial phrase.

What is the difference between "less quickly" and "more slowly"?

While both phrases indicate a decrease in speed, "less quickly" is often used when comparing rates or changes over time. "More slowly" can be used more broadly to describe a slower pace in general.